Here are the current best travel dates and cost estimates for the 7-day Rick Steves Heart of Ireland in 7 Days tour — a fully guided group tour that includes lodging, most sightseeing, and local expert guides. 

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2026 Tour Dates (7 Days)

These are group departures Rick Steves currently lists for the Heart of Ireland in 7 Days Tour (dates, 2026):

Spring / Early Summer

• Apr 19–25, 2026 — ~$3,395 pp + air (waitlist)
• Apr 24–30, 2026 — ~$3,645 pp + air (available)
• Apr 26–May 2, 2026 — ~$3,645 pp + air
• May 3–9, 2026 — ~$3,645 pp + air (waitlist)
• Other May departures thru late May ~$3,645 pp + air (many on waitlist)
• Early June dates (e.g., Jun 7–13, Jun 14–20) — ~$3,395 pp + air (some waitlist/limited)
• Late June / Early July windows — ~$3,395 pp + air (some limited spaces)  

Summer / Early Fall

• Jul 5–11, 2026 — ~$3,395 pp + air (limited)
• Jul 17–23, Jul 19–25, Jul 26–Aug 1, Aug 2–8, Aug 9–15 — ~$3,395 pp + air (various availability)
• Sep / Oct departures (e.g., Sep 4–10, Oct 2–8) — ~$3,395 to ~$3,645 pp + air (availability fluctuates)  

💡 The tours are Sunday to Saturday formats and typically start in Ennis, covering highlights like the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Rock of Cashel, and Kilkenny with excellent guides. 

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Cost Estimates (Per Person, Land Only)

• Typical base price range: $3,395–$3,645 per person + air (double occupancy). 
  Prices fluctuate by departure date and availability.

What’s Included (Tour Price)

✔ Tour guide & coach transportation

✔ 6 nights in hotels (most 4★ or strong 3★ locations)

✔ Most breakfasts

✔ Many admissions and local experiences

✔ Detailed Rick Steves-style itinerary 

✈️ Airfare isn’t included in that base price — you’d add transatlantic flights (e.g., CLT→DUB business class) separately.

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Best Travel Windows

Here’s when you’ll likely get the best weather and availability:

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Late June – Mid July

• Good weather, long daylight
• Higher demand but excellent climate for touring
• Many departures available with $3,395–$3,645 pricing  

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Late Spring (May – Early June)

• Fewer crowds than peak summer
• Often slightly better pricing on some departures
• Cooler but still lush, green scenery  

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Early Fall (Sept – Early Oct)

• Crisp weather, steady availability
• Prices often similar to summer (some listed ~3,395–3,645 counts)  

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Pricing for 2 People

If you and your travel partner each sign up:

• Tour cost (land) per person: ~$3,395–$3,645
• Double occupancy: Each pays the rate above
• Airfare (not included): typically $3,000 + per person in business/first class for a round trip from Charlotte to Dublin (varies by season and how early you book).

Estimated total for 2 people:

• Tour: ~ $6,790–$7,290
• Business class flights: ~$6,000–$10,000+ combined
  ➡ Total range (all-in): $12,800 to $17,300+ depending on flight pricing and season.

🧠 Tip Before Booking

• Many dates show “waitlist” or “limited availability” because Rick Steves tours are popular and relatively small.  
• Best strategy: pick 1–2 preferred windows and inquire early with the tour operator’s reservations team.

If you’d like, I can map these tour dates onto your travel calendar and suggest ideal first-class flight dates that connect cleanly with the tour departure and return — just let me know your preferred month or season!